INSIDE/OUT: MIKE NELSON - In conversation with Mathieu Copeland

Mike Nelson is one of the most singular and influential British Artists of his generation, celebrated for transforming second hand objects and used materials into atmospheric and haunting works of sculpture. His art is centred on the transformation of narrative structure to spatial structure, and on the objects placed within them, immersing the viewer and agitating their perception of these environments.

Mike Nelson is currently presenting a new commissioned piece, ‘M62 (East, West)’, (2025) at Leeds Art Gallery until 28 June 2026. This piece forms the latest edition of a series of work that utilises blown-out tyres gathered from major road systems of cities across the world. Presented by the Contemporary Art Society through a special partnership with the Henry Moore Foundation, supported by Cathy Wills, 2023/24

Mike Nelson RA (b. 1968, lives in London) represented Great Britain at the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011 and has twice been nominated for the Turner Prize (2001 and 2007). He has exhibited widely across the world, including the recent solo exhibitions and projects: Extinction Beckons, Hayward Gallery, London (2023); The Book of Spells, (a speculative fiction), Matt's Gallery, London (2022); The House of the Farmer, Palazzo dell'agricoltore, Parma (2021); The Asset Strippers, Tate Britain Commission, London (2019). He has also been featured in numerous international exhibitions, including the 13th Biennale of Sydney, the 8th Istanbul Biennial and the 13th Lyon Biennale.

Mike Nelson studied at Reading University (1986-90) and Chelsea College of Art and Design (1992 - 93). He is represented by 303 Gallery, New York; Galleria Franco Noero, Turin; Matt’s Gallery, London; and neugerriemschneider, Berlin.

The INSIDE/OUT public programme of lectures invites speakers and leading thinkers whose breadth of work, practice, thought and collaboration we feel will inspire all our students and staff across the wide range of disciplines in the Leeds School of Arts.

This INSIDE/OUT lecture is organised in partnership with LEEDS ART GALLERY

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